*
banner

Pippen to pop up at Staffs

The Staffordshire Band has announced that Jonathan Pippen will take on the role of Associate Conductor.

John Pippen
 

The Staffordshire Band has announced that it has appointed Jonathan Pippen as its new Associate Conductor to work with MD, David Purkiss.

Excellence

The highly respected freelance trombonist and conductor has gained a growing reputation for musical excellence on both fields during his career — notably in the past year with his solo performance of 'Freaks' by Gavin Higgins on the award winning 'Dark Arteries' CD by Tredegar Band, and by rejuvenating the contesting fortunes of Staines Brass.

Vietnam

In the next month or so he will also be leading Desford Band on a ground breaking trip to Vietnam, whilst in the last few years he has also directed ensembles of the Royal Air Force Bands, the Remix Ensemble and a film session for West One Music in 2015, which was used in trailers for the film 'Ecliptuium'.

Chemistry

Band Chairman, Shaun Elliott, told 4BR: "'This is great news for the band. It was obvious from the beginning that he was a conductor that we would very much enjoy working with as there was a sense of real musical chemistry between us.

He has a wealth of top class playing experience and he is such an exciting conducting talent. I'm sure that our new partnership with Jonathan and David Purkiss will only enhance our confidence and progress."

He continued: "I would like to place on record our thanks to Leigh Baker, who has had to step down from this position due to his increasing commitments elsewhere. He has become a great friend of the band and has done a fantastic job for us over the past three years. We wish him well."

He has a wealth of top class playing experience and he is such an exciting conducting talent. I'm sure that our new partnership with Jonathan and David Purkiss will only enhance our confidence and progressShaun Elliott

Great opportunity

Speaking to 4BR, Jonathan added: "This is a great opportunity to work with another ambitious, well run band, led by an MD with so much musical experience. I'm looking forward to it — and to helping Staffordshire continue on their very solid progress."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd